15 Vegan Air Fryer Ideas That Make Weeknight Cooking Less of a Puzzle

Weeknight cooking gets a lot more interesting with 15 vegan air fryer ideas that tackle dinner in simple ways. Relying on the air fryer makes homemade meals feel more practical for nights when you’re short on time. Variety in vegan dishes is possible, even when schedules get hectic. Friends, roommates, and family usually enjoy finding something new on a rushed evening.

A baked casserole dish topped with melted cheese and chopped herbs, with a serving spoon inside and a portion removed; a bowl of herbs is nearby. — Air Fryer Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This post has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.

Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Casserole

A white ceramic dish containing baked vegetable gratin topped with browned breadcrumbs and parsley, placed on a light green textured cloth. — Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Colorful veggies baked until tender make this dish a welcome upgrade from ordinary sides. Guests often return for a second scoop of this Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Casserole, especially when the aroma spreads through the kitchen. The texture is just right for cozy dinners at home. Vegetable casseroles really shine during busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Casserole

Flaky Air Fryer Mushroom Pie

A mushroom pot pie with a golden-brown, flaky pastry crust, served on a round metal tray with cutlery beside it. — Flaky Air Fryer Mushroom Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp pastry paired with a flavorful mushroom filling always attracts curious questions at the dinner table. I like to bring out this Flaky Air Fryer Mushroom Pie when I need something hearty but a little unexpected. The golden crust makes each serving special. Savory pies fit perfectly with chilly evenings and a relaxed vibe.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Air Fryer Mushroom Pie

Golden Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Each bite of this Golden Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip brings a pop of vibrant color and a gentle sweetness. The dip only makes things more exciting with a creamy contrast. Fries made with carrots bring a fun surprise to the dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Golden Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Nuggets bring back memories of fun lunches, but this time they’re vegan and crispy all the way through. Friends empty the plate fast once this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce shows up thanks to the crunch and flavor. The dip on the side draws people in for extra helpings. Tofu nuggets make eating plant-based feel adventurous and easy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Air Fryer Vegan Corn Casserole

A square piece of cornbread with corn kernels and sliced green onions on top sits on a white plate next to a fork. — Air Fryer Vegan Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Hearty, bright, and a bit sweet, casseroles like this one never last long at a group dinner. I find guests reach for this Air Fryer Vegan Corn Casserole whenever there’s a cold snap outside or folks need comfort food. The soft filling pleases all kinds of eaters. Corn casserole feels like a warm welcome to every table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegan Corn Casserole

Tender Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl. — Tender Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Greens turn from ordinary to amazing when cooked just right with an easy air fryer method. Everyone comments about how this Tender Sautéed Kale stays bright and tender without any bitterness. Even those who say they don’t love veggies are sometimes surprised by the taste. Kale brightens up dinner and adds a little health to the mix.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Air Fryer Vegan Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a wooden spoon holding a scoop of vegetable casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs, with the casserole dish in the background.A close-up of a wooden spoon holding a scoop of vegetable casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs, with the casserole dish in the background. — Air Fryer Vegan Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mornings run smoother when breakfast doesn’t take hours from start to finish. I’ve found that this Air Fryer Vegan Breakfast Casserole is a go-to for busy weekdays or large groups. The fluffy texture and mix of veggies help start the day with something warm. Vegan breakfast bakes make mornings less stressful and way more fun.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegan Breakfast Casserole

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings

Restaurant-style snacks are easier to whip up than most people think, especially with a trusty air fryer. Friends love the crunch from these Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings, which pair with anything from burgers to salads. The golden coating wins compliments from all ages. Onion rings never last long at a gathering, especially when they’re extra crisp.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings

Cheesy Air Fryer Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli casserole topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. — Cheesy Air Fryer Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy layers and a familiar cheesy taste transform everyday ingredients into something special. After one bite of this Cheesy Air Fryer Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole, people often ask how something so comforting can be plant-based. The bubbling top always draws eyes to the serving dish first. Broccoli and rice in casserole form feels like a reward at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Air Fryer Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate chip cookie resting on parchment paper, showing visible chocolate chips and a soft, crumbly texture. — Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dessert just out of the fryer smells almost too good to wait for, filling the kitchen with chocolatey cheer. I serve these Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies as soon as sweet cravings strike, since the cookies come out warm and soft. People gather fast once they catch the aroma. Cookies from the air fryer deliver comfort and surprise at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

A baked dish featuring a creamy chicken casserole topped with golden brown tater tots and crispy onions in a white oven-safe dish. A portion is scooped out, revealing the creamy filling. — Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp tots topped with creamy filling keep everyone coming back for another helping. The moment this Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Tater Tot Casserole hits the trivet, people marvel at how golden everything looks. It’s a hit whether you’re cooking for kids or grown-ups. Tater tot casseroles are an easy way to cheer up a plain winter night.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Chicken Nuggets

A white bowl holds several breaded chicken nuggets with a small dish of white dipping sauce in the center, placed on parchment paper. — Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Every party needs a dish that even picky eaters can get behind, and plant-based nuggets do the trick every time. I like making these Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Chicken Nuggets because the shell stays crisp long after they leave the fryer. Dipping sauces add an extra layer of fun. Vegan nuggets take snack time to the next level without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Vegan Enchilada Casserole

A colorful dish featuring a mix of beans, corn, sliced green onions, and cheese, garnished with herbs, on a white plate with a fork. — Air Fryer Vegan Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mexican classics get a plant-based makeover for dinner with this hearty option. Guests always linger for seconds when this Air Fryer Vegan Enchilada Casserole fills the air with comforting flavors. The bubbly surface adds a dash of excitement to every plate. Enchilada casseroles work well when you want something familiar but new at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Crispy Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Crispy potato wedges served on a plate with a cup of coffee. — Crispy Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Wavy, golden edges make these potatoes stand out among ordinary sides. After the first forkful of these Crispy Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes, people ask how you get all those grooves so crispy. This dish often disappears first at any gathering or potluck. Accordion potatoes bring a show-stopping look with surprisingly little effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Air Fryer Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

Breakfast for dinner turns into a hit when shredded potatoes bake up crispy and golden brown. My table always has space for this Air Fryer Vegan Hashbrown Casserole because it’s comfort in every bite. The casserole keeps its fluffy texture even after sitting for a bit. Vegan hashbrowns make dinner feel cozy and complete, no matter the season.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegan Hashbrown Casserole